General Updates 

Arizona

Arizona Commission Posts 2011 Summary Of Action Regarding Fee Schedule
Phoenix, AR (CompNewsNetwork) - On May 26, 2011, the Industrial Commission of Arizona held its 2011 Fee Schedule Hearing under A.R.S. □ 23-908(B). A summary ... Full story  

Arizona Industrial Commission Announces Informal Public Hearings On Residential Fall Protection
Phoenix, AR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Department of Labor and Workforce Development has adopted emergency regulations extending use of the December 2004 Workers' Compensation ...Full story
 

California

California's En Banc Decision: Valdez V. Warehouse Demo Services
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The WCAB has issued an en banc decision in: Elayne Valdez v. Warehouse Demo Services; Zurich North America, Adjusted by ESIS ...Full story

California DWC Case Search Tool Will Be Offline For A Half-Hour
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers' Compensation will take its public information case search tool offline briefly Friday to make an adjustment to the ...Full story

California DWC Now Accepting Applications For The Upcoming QME
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers Compensation (DWC) is now accepting applications for the qualified medical evaluator (QME) examination. The ...Full story

California Insurance Commissioner Announces Enhanced System For Filing Workers Compensation Pure Premium Rates
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The mileage rate for medical and medical-legal travel expenses increased and has been in effect since July 1, 2011. This rate ...Full story
 

Colorado

Colorado Workers Compensation Surcharges Associated With Lack Of Participation Or Non-Cooperation In Premium Audits
Denver, CO (CompNewsNetwork) - The purpose of this bulletin is to provide guidelines for insurers regarding the assessment of surcharges on employers who fail to ... Full story
 

Georgia

Georgia BWC Updates Format For Board Tracking Number
Atlanta, GA (CompNewsNetwork) - When a valid Social Security Number (SSN) is not available, you must file the WC-1 or WC-14 to initiate a claim in ... Full story
 

Iowa

The Medical Mileage Reimbursement rate in Iowa effective 7/1/2011 has been amended.
 

Illinois

NCCI Files For 8.8% Rate Reduction
Chicago, IL (CompNewsNetwork) - In response to the recent enactment of House Bill 1698 (Public Act 097-0018), NCCI filed for an 8.8% decrease in voluntary ...Full story

Illinois PPP Approval Process Under Construction
Chicago, IL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Department of Insurance is establishing a process by which payers may gain approval to function as a Preferred Provider Program ... Full story
 

Kansas

The Medical Mileage Reimbursement rate in Kansas has changed effective 7/1/2011.
 

Louisiana

Louisiana Workers' Compensation Medical Guidelines Now In Effect
Baton Rouge, LA (CompNewsNetwork) - Medical treatment guidelines took effect last Friday for the treatment of workers' compensation injuries in Louisiana.The guidelines are being ... Full story  
 

Maryland

The Medical Mileage Reimbursement rate in Maryland has changed effective 7/1/2011.
 

Michigan

The Medical Mileage Reimbursement rate in Michigan has changed effective 7/1/2011.
 

Minnesota

The Medical Mileage Reimbursement rate in Minnesota has changed effective 7/1/2011.
 

Missouri

The Medical Mileage Reimbursement rate in Missouri has changed effective 7/1/2011.
 

Montana

The Medical Mileage Reimbursement rate in Montana has changed effective 7/1/2011.
 

Nebraska

The Medical Mileage Reimbursement rate in Iowa has changed effective 7/1/2011.

Nebraska Accepts Comments For Adopting Revised Rules Of Procedures
Lincoln, NE (CompNewsNetwork) - Medical treatment guidelines took effect last Friday for the treatment of workers' compensation injuries in Louisiana. The guidelines are being ... Full story

Nebraska Sends Notice Regarding Review Panel Appellate Procedure
Lincoln, NE (CompNewsNetwork) - The Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act was recently amended to eliminate the review panel appellate procedure before three judges of ... Full story

Reminder Regarding Filing Fees For Appeals To The Nebraska Court Of Appeals
Lincoln, NE (CompNewsNetwork) - The Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court must collect $25.00 for fees in the Nebraska Court of Appeals / Nebraska Supreme Court. The ... Full story
 

New York

New York Superintendent Approves Hike In Loss Costs
Albany, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - The New York State Insurance Department has received a rate filing from the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board for a Workers' Compensation loss ... Full story  
 

North Carolina

North Carolina Industrial Commission Adopts New E-Transcripts Policy
Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - - The N.C. Industrial Commission announces that effective July 21, 2011, only electronic transcripts and exhibits will be forwarded ... Full story 
 

North Carolina Rate Bureau Adopts Changes To NCCI's Basic Manual For WC
Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - - The North Carolina Rate Bureau has adopted and the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance has approved the adoption of changes to NCCI's ... Full story 
 

Ohio

Workers Comp Rates For Ohio Marine Industry Employers Decrease 20%
Columbus, OH (CompNewsNetwork) - The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) has reduced its rates for marine industry employers by 20 percent, effective July 1 ... Full story   
 

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Sends Out Fee Review Announcement
Pittsburgh, PA (CompNewsNetwork) - Effective immediately, appeals of fee review determinations to a hearing officer should be filed on the Request for Hearing to Contest ... Full story
 

South Carolina

South Carolina Proposes Changes To Maximum Allowable Payments Regulation
Columbia, SC (CompNewsNetwork) - Effective immediately, appeals of fee review determinations to a hearing officer should be filed on the Request for Hearing to Contest ... Full story
 

Texas

Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation has revised the DWC Form-022, Required Medical Examination (RME) - Request for Agreement / Request for Order. Workers' compensation system participants are to use the revised DWC Form-022 on and after August 1, 2011. Older versions of the form will no longer be accepted after October 1, 2011.

Texas DWC Adopts Medical EDI Reporting Requirements
Dallas, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - - On June 20, 2011 the Commissioner of Workers Compensation Rod Bordelon adopted amended 28 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) □134.802 and new □□134.800, ... Full story 

Texas Workers Compensation System Adopts Pharmacy Closed Formulary
Dallas, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - - As a result of the 79th Texas Legislatures requirement that the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers Compensation (TDI-DWC) adopt ... Full story 

Texas DWC Reminds New Rule Regarding Case Manager Certification Will Be Effective Soon
Dallas, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Commissioner of Workers Compensation Rod Bordelon adopted new 28 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) □137.5 regarding Case Manager Certification in December ... Full story   
 

Utah

The Medical Mileage Reimbursement rate in Utah has changed effective 7/1/2011.

General Updates 

Alabama

The Medical Mileage Reimbursement rate in Alabama has changed effective 7/1/2011.
 

Alaska

Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell has filed regulations, proposed by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and adopted by the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board, regarding workers' compensation. The effective date of the regulations is July 9, 2011. They will be published in Register 199, October 2011.

Alaska Extends Use Of Dec. 2004 Medical Fee Schedule
Juneau, AK (CompNewsNetwork - The Department of Labor and Workforce Development has adopted emergency regulations extending use of the December 2004 Workers' Compensation ... Full story
 

California

California DWC Increased Mileage Rate For Medical Expenses
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The mileage rate for medical and medical-legal travel expenses increased and has been in effect since July 1, 2011. This rate ... Full story
 

Connecticut

Connecticut Leonardi To End Paper Licensing
Hartford, CT (CompNewsNetwork) - Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Thomas B. Leonardi today announced that beginning August 1, 2011 applications for licensing will be accepted ... Full story
 

Florida

Florida DWC To Hold Hearing On Reimbursement Manuals
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation has received a written request for rule hearing on the Florida Workers' Compensation Health ... Full story 

Florida DWC Propose To Clean Up Construction Classification Code
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation has submitted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making for Rule Chapter 69L-6.021, Florida Administrative ... Full story   
 

Illinois

Illinois Gov. Signs Workers' Comp Overhaul Bill
Melrose Park, IL (CompNewsNetwork) - Governor Pat Quinn today signed House Bill 1698, a comprehensive overhaul of Illinois' workers' compensation system. The reforms - backed ... Full story
 

New York

New York Board To Phase Out Older Versions Of Forms RFA-1, RFA-1LC, & RFA-2
Albany, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - Early stages of implementation of the new, Workers' Compensation Board Medical Treatment Guidelines have seen some misunderstanding of the guidelines ... Full story  
 

Oregon

Oregon's Court Of Appeals Publishes 2010 Workers' Compensation Summary
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - - The Oregon's Court of Appeals released a report providing information about decisions made by the Oregon Court of Appeals on workers' ... Full story 

Oregon Workers' Comp Board To Conduct Review Of Administrative Rules
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - Presently the Board Members are conducting a plenary review of the rules of practice and procedure found in Chapter 438 of ... Full story   
 

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Gov. Signs Workers' Comp Reform Bill
HARRISBURG, PA (PRNewswire-USNewswire) - Governor Tom Corbett today signed into law House Bill 440, a measure that expands the availability of workers' compensation ... Full story
 

Texas

Texas DWC Initiates May 2011 Designated Doctor Plan-Based Audit
Dallas, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - - In April 2010, the Commissioner of Workers' Compensation (Commissioner) approved a Designated Doctor Review to examine the accuracy of certifications of maximum medical improvement ... Full story 

Texas DWC Sets Interest Rate For Q3
Dallas, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation has determined, pursuant to the authority and direction given under the Texas Workers' ... Full story   
 

Utah

Utah's Industrial Accidents Division To Issue Workers' Comp Coverage Waivers
Salt Lake City, UT (PRNewswire-USNewswire) - The Industrial Accidents Division of the Utah Labor Commission will assume responsibility for issuing workers' compensation coverage waivers on July 1st, 2011. Under ... Full story
 

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Forum Issue New Website And "Save The Date" Announcement
Waukesha, WI (CompNewsNetwork) - The 9th Annual Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Forum will be taking place Wednesday afternoon October 19th, and all day Thursday, October 20th ... Full story

General Updates 

California

CA DWC Posts 2011 AR Of Inventory Advice And Form For Claims
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) is now accepting applications for the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) examination. The ... Full story
 

Connecticut

Connecticut Workers' Comp Commission Makes Correction To Weekly Benefit Tables
Hartford, CT (CompNewsNetwork) - Effective January 1, 2011 the social security withholding tax on earnings was reduced. Because of this, the compensation rates ... Full story
 

Florida

Florida's Division Of Workers' Comp Updates Employee Notification Letter
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Employee Notification Letter (English and Spanish) was recently updated with the new CFO's letterhead. In accordance with s. 440.185(11), ... Full story
 

New Jersey

New Jersey Judge Advises Sending Considerations Before Workers' Comp Regulation's Sunset
Trenton, NJ (CompNewsNetwork) - Pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, the workers' compensation regulations, N.J.A.C. 12:235-1.1 et seq., will sunset in July 2011 unless readopted or extended ... Full story
 

New York

NYSIF Updates Medical Providers Of Medical Variances
Albany, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - Early stages of implementation of the new, Workers' Compensation Board Medical Treatment Guidelines have seen some misunderstanding of the guidelines ... Full story

Wilson Urges Extreme Caution Regarding New York Workers' Comp Board Email Filing System
Bob Wilson, President & CEO of WorkersCompensation.com, has issued a cautionary opinion about NY WCB's newly announced email claim doc submission service. ... Full story

Faxing Documents To The New York Workers' Compensation Board
New York, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - Effective February 25, 2009, the Workers' Compensation Board allowed claims-related documents to be filed with the Board by fax. ... Full story  

The New York Workers' Comp Board Begins Acceptance Of Email Filing
 Albany, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - The Workers' Compensation Board now allows documents related to claims for compensation to be filed with the Board as ... Full story 
 

Pennsylvania

PA BWC Allows E-Filing Of Statement of Wages Form
Philadelphia, PA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Bureau of Workers' Compensation is pleased to offer the workers' compensation community the ability to e-file the following forms: Notice ... Full story
 

Texas

Texas DWC Revises Instructions For The Work Status Report Form
Dallas, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - No later than March 1, 2011, designated doctors must fax all completed designated doctor reports and associated narrative attachments, including the DWC ... Full story

General Updates 

Connecticut

Connecticut Workers' Comp Commission Makes Correction To Weekly Benefit Tables
Hartford, CT (CompNewsNetwork) - Effective January 1, 2011 the social security withholding tax on earnings was reduced. Because of this, the compensation rates ... Full story
 

Florida

Florida's Division Of Workers' Comp Updates Employee Notification Letter
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Employee Notification Letter (English and Spanish) was recently updated with the new CFO's letterhead. In accordance with s. 440.185(11), ... Full story
 

Georgia

GA SBWC Posts WC-26 Reminder
Atlanta, GA (CompNewsNetwork) - The WC-26, Consolidated Yearly Report of Medical Only Cases and Annual Payments on Indemnity Claims, is filed on or before March  ... Full story
 

Louisiana

Louisiana Office Of Workers' Comp To Hold Meeting On Medical Treatment Guidelines' Permanent Implementation
Baton Rouge, LA (CompNewsNetwork) - Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Louisiana Workforce Commission's Office of Workers' Compensation on MONDAY,  ... Full story
 

Massachusetts

MA DIA Changes Fee Schedule For IMEs
Boston, MA (CompNewsNetwork) - On July 1, 2011, the Department of Industrial Accidents will institute in a new contract with its Impartial Medical Examiners  ... Full story
 

Michigan

MI Gov. Appoints Members To Boards And Commissions
Lansing, MI (CompNewsNetwork) - Governor Rick Snyder announced appointments to several boards and commissions. Board of State Canvassers: Republican Norman Shinkle is reappointed and Democrat  ... Full story
 

Nevada

NV DIR Publishes New Medical Fee Schedule
Reno, NV (CompNewsNetwork) - Pursuant to NRS 616C.260, the Nevada Department of Industrial Relations has published the latest Nevada Medical Fee Schedule (MFS) Maximum Allowable ... Full story
 

New Jersy

New Jersey Judge Advises Sending Considerations Before Workers' Comp Regulation's Sunset
Trenton, NJ (CompNewsNetwork) - Pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, the workers' compensation regulations, N.J.A.C. 12:235-1.1 et seq., will sunset in July 2011 unless readopted or extended ... Full story
 

New York

NYSIF Updates Medical Providers Of Medical Variances
Albany, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - Early stages of implementation of the new, Workers' Compensation Board Medical Treatment Guidelines have seen some misunderstanding of the guidelines ... Full story
 

North Carolina

North Carolina Rate Bureau Adopted The Elimination Of Group Claim Reporting As An Option
Reno, NV (CompNewsNetwork) - The North Carolina Rate Bureau has adopted and the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance has approved the elimination of group claim reporting as ... Full story
 

Oregon

OR DWC Posts How-To Determine What Is "Gainful Occupation" For PTD Evaluations
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - This bulletin provides examples of "gainful occupation" to be used to determine eligibility for PTD benefits for claims that close on or ... Full story
 

Pennsylvania

PA BWC Allows E-Filing Of Statement of Wages Form
Philadelphia, PA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Bureau of Workers' Compensation is pleased to offer the workers' compensation community the ability to e-file the following forms: Notice ... Full story
 

Texas

Texas DWC Revises Instructions For The Work Status Report Form
Dallas, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - No later than March 1, 2011, designated doctors must fax all completed designated doctor reports and associated narrative attachments, including the DWC ... Full story

General Updates 

California

CA DWC Updates Hire Pamphlets
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has posted a new time of hire pamphlet on its Web site. This optional ... Full story
 

CA DWC Posts Ambulance Fee Schedule Update
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers' Compensation has adopted an order adjusting the ambulance services section of the official medical fee schedule ... Full story
 

CHSWC Published Use Of Compound Drugs And Medical Foods In CA's WC
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC) is pleased to announce the release of the Working Paper "Use of ... Full story
 

Florida

FL DWC To Evaluate EOBR
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Bureau of Monitoring and Audit will add an EOBR review and evaluation component to its claims audits. The EOBR provides ... Full story
 

Texas

TX DWC Centralizes Processing Of Designated Doctor Reports And Narratives
Dallas, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - No later than March 1, 2011, designated doctors must fax all completed designated doctor reports and associated narrative attachments, including the DWC ... Full story

 
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General Updates 

Florida

FL DWC To Evaluate EOBR
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Bureau of Monitoring and Audit will add an EOBR review and evaluation component to its claims audits. The EOBR provides ... Full story
 

Kentucky

KY DWC Updates Q&A
Frankfort, KY (CompNewsNetwork) - Below are some of the questions the Kentucky Department of Workers' Compensation have received to date regarding Release 3.0. The list  ... Full story
 

Massachusetts

MA Amends WC Coverage For Out-Of-State Employers Operating In MA
Boston, MA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) has promulgated a new form to be used by employers located in other states but conducting ... Full story
 

New York

NYSIF Announces Recommendation Of Medical Provider Network For Claims
New York, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - New York State Insurance Fund Chief Deputy Executive Director Francine James announced that NYSIF has begun offering a Recommendation of ... Full story

NYSWCB Posts Critical Information For Medical Treatment Guidelines
Albany, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - To guarantee that carrier contact information is available by December 1, 2010, carriers must designate and register an administrator by November ... Full story

NY Provides Overview Of MTG Processes
Albany, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - The Medical Treatment Guidelines will become the mandatory standard of care for the mid and low back, neck, shoulder, and knee, ... Full story
 

Oklahoma

OK WCC Modifies Fee And Forms
Tulsa, OK (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Court modified SB 1973 (2010); specifically, fees payable to the Workers' Compensation Court. The fees become effective November ... Full story
 

Oregon

OR DWC Determines 2011 Premium Assessment Rate
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - Effective Jan.1, 2011, the department has determined that an assessment rate of direct earned premium is necessary for the department to ... Full story
 

Rhode Island

RI's WC Coverage Verification Now Online
Providence, RI (CompNewsNetwork) - The RI Department of Labor and Training web site now features an online mechanism for verifying workers' compensation insurance coverage. Through ... Full story
 

Texas

TX DWC Proposes Amendments To Medical Bill Reporting
Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) is accepting comment on informally proposed rules to amend 28 Texas ... Full story

TX DWC Wants To Reconsider Payment Of Medical Bills
Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) is accepting comments on informally proposed rules to amend 28 Texas ... Full story

TX DWC Changes Conversion Factors For WC Medical Fee Guidelines
Dallas, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The purpose of this bulletin is to inform system participants of the annual change to the Medical Fee Guideline conversion factors ... Full story

General Updates 

California

CA Court Schedules Two New Conferences To Discuss Consolidation Of Durable Medical Goods Liens
Los Angeles, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Los Angeles district office of the Division of Workers' Compensation has scheduled two new conferences in October ... Full story

WCIRB Amends Jan 1, 2011 Pure Premium Rate Filing
San Francisco, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - On August 18, 2010, the WCIRB submitted a pure premium rate filing to the California Insurance Commissioner proposing a 29.6% ... Full story

Cal/OSHA Enforcement Strengthened With Signing Of New Law
Sacramento, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger late last week signed into law AB 2774 (Swanson) which clarifies the definition of a serious ... Full story
 

New York

Proposed Disability Duration Guidelines By The NYSID To The WCB
New York, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - The New York State Insurance Department proposed disability duration guidelines to the Workers' Compensation Board. The Disability Duration Guidelines provide part ... Full story

NYSWCB Posts 2011 Hearing Schedule
Albany, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - Below is a list of the days that the Workers' Compensation Board will be closed in 2011. It also includes ... Full story

NYSWCB Chair Seeks Comment On Task Force PPD Guideline Recommendations
Albany, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - The introduction of duration caps on non-schedule permanent partial disability benefits is a major component of the 2007 workers' compensation ... Full story
 

Ohio

OH BWC Continues Progress In Lowering WC Premiums
Columbus, OH (CompNewsNetwork) - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) has presented a proposal to the BWC Board of Directors' Actuarial Committee to further ... Full story
 

Oregon

2009 AR Defense Legal Costs Of OR WC Insurers Published
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - This is the annual report on Oregon workers' compensation defense legal costs. Data are given by insurer class (SAIF, private insurer, ... Full story

OR's Retroactive Program Benefits Effective Oct. 1, 2010
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The division is issuing this amended bulletin to clarify the effective date of a new beneficiary type created by Senate Bill 110 ... Full story

OR WCD Publications Goes Paperless
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Department of Consumer and Business Services, like most businesses and organizations in Oregon, is being affected by the economic recession ... Full story
 

Pennsylvania

PA Gov. Signs Legislation Establishing The Construction Workplace Misclassification Act
Harrisburg, PA (CompNewsNetwork) - Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed into law House Bill 400, establishing the Construction Workplace Misclassification Act. The legislation provides criteria for ... Full story
 

Texas

TX DWC Request Comments On Case Managers' Certification Standards
Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) is accepting public comment on proposed new 28 Texas Administrative Code ... Full story

TX DWC Rulebook Supplement 2010 Now Online
Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Workers' Compensation Rulebook Supplement 2010-02 containing rules adopted by the Commissioner of Workers' Compensation in August 2010 is available online ... Full story

General Updates 

California

CHSWC Releases The Whole Worker: Guidelines For Integrating Occupational Health And Safety Programs
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC) is pleased to announce that The Whole Worker: Guidelines for Integrating ... Full story

CHSWC Post Draft QME Study For Public Comment
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC) is pleased to announce the release for public comment ... Full story

CA DWC Proposes Amendments To Benefit Notice Regulations For Comment
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers' Compensation has posted an online forum for members of the public to use to review and ... Full story

CA DWC Posts New FAQs
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has posted new frequently asked questions (FAQs) in response to inquiries about ... Full story
  

Florida

FL DWC Adopts Periodic Reports Rule
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - Rule 69L-6.026, Periodic Reports Rule, Florida Administrative Code, has been adopted and will become effective on September 15, 2010. The proposed ... Full story
 

Kentucky

KY Annual WC Filing Approved
Frankfort, KY (CompNewsNetwork) - An annual filing most insurance carriers will use to develop rates for workers' compensation coverage shows the fifth consecutive overall decrease ... Full story
 

New York

NYSWCB Chair Beloten Statement On Medical Fee Schedule
New York, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - The chair of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, Robert Beloten made the following statement on medical fee schedule:"Health ... Full story

NYSID States Security Fund Needs No Further Contribution
New York, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - Please be advised that determinations made in accordance with the requirements of Workers' Compensation Law § 109 ... Full story
 

North Carolina

NC Department of Insurance Receives WC Rate
Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has received the 2010 workers compensation rate filings from the North Carolina Rate Bureau, the organization that ... Full story
 

Oregon

OR WCB Admin Rule Review Extended
Salem, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - At its May 10, 2010 meeting, the Board Members discussed WCB's administrative rules, noting that it has been a number of years ... Full story

OR WC Premium Rate Will Decrease Again In 2011
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The workers' compensation "pure" premium rate will decrease 1.8 percent in 2011, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced today. This ... Full story

General Updates 

California

CA DWC's Amended Medical Provider Network And Employee Information Regulations Were Approved
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has amended regulations on medical provider network (MPN) and employee information. The final ... Full story

CA DWC Proposes Revision To Ambulatory Surgical Centers Fee Schedule Regulations
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has posted an online forum for members of the public to review and comment ... Full story

New CA WC Posting Notices, Pamphlets & Claim Forms Take Effect Oct. 8
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The state has approved amended regulations governing the basic workers' compensation notice materials that employers must use to inform employees ... Full story
 

Florida

CFO Alex Sink Announces New Online Tool For Injured Employee Benefits
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced a new tool created by her Division of Workers' Compensation that allows injured employees to ... Full story

FL DWC Publishes Quarterly Newsletter
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation, Bureau of Compliance, is pleased to publish its inaugural Quarterly Newsletter. This Newsletter provides ... Full story
 

Iowa

IA Posts Notice Of Proposed WC Rate Filing
Des Moines, IA (CompNewsNetwork) - Pursuant to Iowa Code section 515A.6(7), notice is hereby given that the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. has made a ... Full story

IA 2010 Second Injury Fund Assessment
Des Moines, IA (CompNewsNetwork) - Sufficient funds are not presently available to meet the liabilities of the Second Injury Fund. Therefore, an assessment ... Full story
 

Maryland

MD WCC Updates COLA
Baltimore, MD (CompNewsNetwork) - The Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission has updated the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Calendar Year 2011. Section 9-638 of ... Full story
 

New York

NYSWCB Issues POC Manual
New York, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - The New York State Workers' Compensation Board has issued a new instruction manual that reminds all municipal and state ... Full story

NY Notification Of Meeting Of Special Disability Fund Advisory Committee
New York, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - A meeting of the Special Disability Fund Advisory Committee will be held on Tuesday, August 24, 2010. The ... Full story
 

North Carolina

NCRB Files Revised Carrier Designation Form
Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - The North Carolina Rate Bureau recently filed and the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance has approved a revised form (WC 32 ... Full story
 

Oregon

OR DCBS Updates Characteristics Of WC System From 1968-2009
Salem, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services updated a one page table providing various characteristics of the workers' compensation system from 1968 ... Full story

OR DWC Proposed Oregon Medical Fee And Payment Rules
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Department of Consumer and Business Services, Workers' Compensation Division proposes changes to OAR chapter 436, division 009, rule 0030.The proposed rule ... Full story
 

Texas

TX CI Adopts TX 2010 Stat Plan
Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - By Commissioner's Order No. 10-0660, issued June 14, 2010, the Commissioner of Insurance has adopted new Division 4, §5.6601 of ... Full story

TX DWC Publishes Access To Medical Care In WC System, 1998-2008
Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance's Workers' Compensation Research & Evaluation Group produced a report, Access to Medical Care in the Texas Workers' ... Full story

General Updates 

Florida

CFO Alex Sink Announces New Online Tool For Injured Employee Benefits
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced a new tool created by her Division of Workers' Compensation that allows injured employees to ... Full story

FL DWC Publishes Quarterly Newsletter
Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation, Bureau of Compliance, is pleased to publish its inaugural Quarterly Newsletter. This Newsletter provides ... Full story
 

Maryland

MD WCC Updates COLA
Baltimore, MD (CompNewsNetwork) - The Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission has updated the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Calendar Year 2011. Section 9-638 of ... Full story

NCRB Files Revised Carrier Designation Form
Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - The North Carolina Rate Bureau recently filed and the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance has approved a revised form (WC 32 ... Full story
 

Oregon

OR DCBS Updates Characteristics Of WC System From 1968-2009
Salem, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services updated a one-page table providing various characteristics of the workers' compensation system from 1968 ... Full story
 

Texas

TX CI Adopts TX 2010 Stat Plan
Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - By Commissioner's Order No. 10-0660, issued June 14, 2010, the Commissioner of Insurance has adopted new Division 4, §5.6601 of ... Full story

TX DWC Publishes Access To Medical Care In WC System, 1998-2008
Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance's Workers' Compensation Research & Evaluation Group produced a report, Access to Medical Care in the Texas Workers' ... Full story

General Updates 

California

CA DWC Introduces Optional Medical Unit Qualified Medical Evaluator Panel Request Forms
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) Medical Unit has created two new optional forms for use when requesting an additional ... Full story  
 

TX DWC Publishes Access To Medical Care In WC System, 1998-2008
Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has discovered a potential error in the version of its physician fee schedule draft ... Full story
 

Delaware

DE OWC Receives Utilization Review Requests
Dover, DE (CompNewsNetwork) - The Office of Workers' Compensation (OWC) has been receiving an ever increasing number of utilization review (UR) requests for "prospective" treatment; ... Full story  
 

Hawaii

HI Gov. Enrolls Construction Site Inspection Task Force Act
Honolulu, HI (CompNewsNetwork) - The act was enrolled by the Governor to create a construction site inspection task force to be convened by the ... Full story  
 

Massachusetts

MA WCRIB Post General Revision of Rates
Boston, MA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance has approved a Stipulation for the general revision of workers' compensation rates, effective 12:01 A.M., September 1. Full story  
 

New York   

NYSWCB Posts Revised Inpatient Hospital Care Reimbursement Rates
New York City, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - The workers' compensation fee schedule for inpatient hospital care automatically tracks New York Medicaid rates, as determined by the ... Full story
 

Oregon   

OR WCD Posts Self-Insured Base Rates, Election Of Method Used For Premium Determination
Salem, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Workers' Compensation Division has posted Bulletin 357, "Self-insured base rates and election of method used for determination of premium."  The bulletin ... Full story
 

OR WCD To Shift Audit Activities
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division is shifting their performance audit activities to two basic types: annual audits, emphasizing timeliness of benefit payments ... Full story

WCD Provides Assistance On Claim Closing, Impairment Exams, And Reporting Impairment Forms 
Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon Dept. of Consumer and Business Services, Workers' Compensation Division has released a bulletin, designed to:(1) contains information ... Full story
 

Rhode Island

RI Senate Passes Bill To Tighten Employee Classification Laws
Providence, RI (CompNewsNetwork) - Even at a very conservative estimate of 1 percent employee misclassification in Rhode Island (individuals working off the books ... Full story
 

Tennessee

TN House Speaker Signs Bill 2940
Nashville, TN (CompNewsNetwork) - Under present law, when an injured employee is eligible to receive any permanent partial disability benefits through workers compensation for ... Full story
 

Texas

TX Informal Proposed New 28 TAC 137.5 Regarding Case Manager Certification
Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) has informally proposed new 28 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §137.5 regarding case ... Full story

Informal Proposed New 28 TAC 137.5 Regarding Case Manager Certification
Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) has informally proposed new 28 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §137.5 regarding case ... Full story
 

Virginia   

VA Gov. Extends Disability Benefits For State Police Officers
Richmond, VA (CompNewsNetwork) - Governor Bob McDonnell today signed legislation which will extend short term disability benefits for Virginia State Police officers injured ... Full story
 

Washington

WA To Adopt Accident Reporting And Investigation Rule
Olympia, WA (CompNewsNetwork) - The purpose of the rulemaking for WAC 296-800-320 is to clarify the definition of the term "hospitalization" to reduce confusion and bring ... Full story

WA L&I Updates Proposed Rulemaking Of Special Reporting Instructions For Athletic Teams
Olympia, WA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has proposed an    d rulemaking to simplify compliance agreements for professional and semiprofessional. Full story

1. NYSWCB Posts Revised Inpatient Hospital Care Reimbursement Rates
   New York City, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - The workers' compensation fee schedule for inpatient hospital care automatically tracks New York Medicaid rates, as determined by the ... Full Story
    
2. MA WCRIB Post General Revision Of Rates
   Boston, MA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance has approved a Stipulation for the general revision of workers' compensation rates, effective 12:01 A.M., September 1, ...  Full Story
    
3. CA DWC Introduces Optional Medical Unit Qualified Medical Evaluator Panel Request Forms
   Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) Medical Unit has created two new optional forms for use when requesting an additional ... Full Story
    
4. TX Informal Proposed New 28 TAC 137.5 Regarding Case Manager Certification
   Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) has informally proposed new 28 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §137.5 regarding case ... Full Story
    
5. WA To Adopt Accident Reporting And Investigation Rule
   Olympia, WA (CompNewsNetwork) - The purpose of the rulemaking in Washington for WAC 296-800-320 is to clarify the definition of the term "hospitalization" to reduce confusion and bring ... Full Story
    
6. HI Gov. Enrolls Construction Site Inspection Task Force Act
   Honolulu, HI (CompNewsNetwork) - The act was enrolled by the Governor of Hawaii to create a construction site inspection task force to be convened by the ... Full Story
    
7. OR WCD Posts Self-Insured Base Rates, Election Of Method Used For Premium Determination
   Salem, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division has posted Bulletin 357, "Self-insured base rates and election of method used for determination of premium." The bulletin ... Full Story
    
8. OR WCD To Shift Audit Activities
   Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division is shifting their performance audit activities to two basic types: annual audits, emphasizing timeliness of benefit payments ... Full Story

1. California Coalition on Workers Compensation (CCWC) - (No recent activity)
2. California Self-Insurers Association - Identifying questionable claims. "Red flags" (1 comment); Potentially valuable information on factors which serve as warnings of questionable claims.
3. California Workers Compensation Medical Providers - Proposal to slash ASC reimbursements by 40-50%. (no comments)
4. Employer Solutions Group - Woman working at nightclub while pregnant, random drug testing, OSHA, older workers, settlement strategies. (comments requested)
5. ICMS- Medical Case Management Professionals - Advertising.
6. Illinois Workers Compensation - No recent activity.
7. Injured Workers Law & Advocacy Group - No recent activity.
8. International Society of Workers Compensation Specialists - No recent activity.
9. NAMSAP - Conditional payments within WCMAS process (no comments).
10. New York Workers Compensation Forum - Board to cancel Friday hearings. Full Board Reviews now available. (no comments); Cutting back on Friday hearings is meeting with predictable concern by attorneys, whose fees are linked to number of hearings; Availablity of decisions on Full Board Review will potentially triple the amount of accessible information on potential to reverse judges' decisions.
11. Nurses in Workers Compensation - No recent activity.
12. PEO Professional Sales Innovation - Advertising.
13. Psychological Factors in Workers Compensation - No recent activity.
14. Return to Work Resources - Work while pregnant, drug testing, OSHA, physical capacity evaluation (PCE) by Chicago Transit Authority. (comments requested)
15. Work Comp Analysis Group - Using non-profit organizations as part of return to work (RTW) (4 comments). Comments are in favor of use of organizations as part of RTW strategies; Employer resistance to carrier/third party administrator settlements (1 comment). Potentially valuable discussion about rights of employer in conflict with "duty to defend" of carrier. Goals of each may be in conflict;
16. Work Comp Case Management - Advertising.
17. Work Comp Insurance, TPA, Self Insured, et al. - 100th anniversary of work comp laws (no comments).
18. Work Comp Pharmacy & Ancillary Solutions - No recent activity.
19. WorkCompCentral - Webinar announcement. Advertising.
20. Workers Compensation & Healthcare Transformational Council - No recent activity.
21. Workers Compensation Cost Containment Professional Network - Reposting of discussions from other sites.
22. Workers Compensation Roundtable - Work while pregnant, drug testing, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). (comments requested.)
23. Workers Compensation Series - No recent activity.

• New York Workers' Compensation Forum: recent discussions started include "Managed Adjudication Program" (MAP), new maximum weekly benefit rates and recent court decisions. (no comments yet)
• Self Insurance and Self Funding Magazine and Conference: discussions started are health care reform and COBRA extensions. (no comments yet)
• Work Comp Analysis Group: site has announced a new sub-group to be called "National Workers' Compensation and Disability Conference and Expo". 11 comments of support. No discussion.
• Workers' Compensation and Healthcare Transformational Council: recent discussions started include insurance company hirings for 2010 (no comments) and a request for topics that would improve "professional process" (7 comments). Responses discuss access to affordable healthcare, cost shifting and return to work.
• Workers' Compensation Roundtable: recent discussions include medical marijuana (3 comments), new NY comp rates, older construction workers (4 comments) and Medicare for exposure to environmental health hazards (1 comment). The last is being seen as a possible area for federal pre-emption of state work comp laws.
• WSIB Compensation Paralegal Canada: Paralegal regulations (2 comments) and a May summit in Ontario on return to work and prevention of needless disability.
• Work Comp Cost Management: one new discussion started on Medicare and Environmental Health Hazards (no comments).